In this episode, we talk about how Island Tours Vanuatu helps travelers experience more of Vanuatu’s islands through tailored packages that combine transfers, accommodations, tours, and cultural experiences—so the trip feels seamless from start to finish. Far and Away Adventures.com is where to begin planning with expert support, and you can visit https://farandawayadventures.com to work with a specialist who can build the right island mix for your timeline and travel style.
Norman Schaefer sits down with Georgian Sandi, owner of Island Tours Vanuatu, to explore what makes Vanuatu unique and how travelers can go beyond the basics. Georgian shares that Island Tours has been operating for nearly two decades as an inbound tour operator, organizing itineraries across Vanuatu’s islands and creating packages that reduce the common friction points of South Pacific travel—especially when you’re moving between islands and trying to coordinate flights, transfers, and experiences.
A major highlight is Tanna’s volcano experience. Georgian describes it as highly accessible, with frequent flight access mentioned in the conversation, and notes that while travelers can do it as a day trip, the volcano is most spectacular at night. That single detail can shape the whole itinerary: adding an overnight on Tanna can turn a “quick look” into a truly unforgettable moment. Norman shares his own memory of visiting the crater with his kids and how rare it is to have an experience like that in the world.
From there, we branch out into other popular experiences Georgian’s team helps arrange, including Santo for beach time and diving, and Pentecost for the famous land diving tradition. Georgian mentions that land diving is typically available in a seasonal window—commonly April through June, depending on the vines—so travelers who want to see it should plan dates carefully.
We also dig into cultural immersion. Georgian emphasizes that Vanuatu’s islands are not all the same: the culture and traditions you encounter on Tanna can feel very different from places like Malekula. Their tours can include visits to custom villages where travelers interact with local communities and learn practical skills such as preparing local foods and weaving mats. Georgian’s point is simple: staying only in Port Vila can limit what you experience. To feel “real Vanuatu,” you often need to get out to the outer islands and spend time with people in their communities.
A practical travel-planning theme runs through the entire episode: things can go wrong when travelers book everything online with no local help, especially if there are flight disruptions. Georgian explains why having support on the ground matters—someone who can solve problems quickly and keep your trip moving without you scrambling to rearrange logistics on your own.
If Vanuatu is on your list for volcano adventure, diving, cultural village experiences, and island-hopping, this episode gives you a roadmap for what to prioritize and how to think about pacing. And if you’d like help connecting the pieces into a smooth itinerary, Far and Away Adventures can help you design and book a Vanuatu trip that fits your goals and makes the logistics feel effortless.